My Father's Vietnam

My Father's Vietnam is a heartfelt 2015 documentary film directed by Soren Sorensen, presented through the spectrum of intimate accounts, personal photographs, and never-before-seen artifacts, as it paints a vivid picture of not just a war, but the far-reaching consequences of war on individuals and families. This unique documentary features Glenn Aurelius, Loring Bailey Sr., and Margie Belford as the trio of narrators, who are seamlessly woven together to tell a poignant story.

The focal point of the film is Peter Sorensen, the director's father, who served in the Vietnam War. The film unravels his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam, as well as the chilling experiences of two of his closest friends, one of whom did not survive the war, and the other whose life was taken after returning home. Their stories unfold as an intimate exploration of the scale of the war, from the mundane daily routines to the heart-racing moments of combat.

This portrait of the Vietnam War is uniquely personal, attempting to humanize instead of politicize the controversial war. "My Father's Vietnam" doesn’t delve into historical events, political debates, or criticism of the war. It focuses on the experiences and perspectives of the people who lived through it, giving audiences a more intimate understanding of the war's impact and the brave individuals whose lives were indelibly marked by it.

The narrative, centered by Peter Sorensen’s personal accounts, enriched by a riveting collection of personal photographs and letters from the era, interweaves the director's voice with those of Loring Bailey Sr., who was lost in the conflict, and Glenn Aurelius, who died under tragic circumstances after returning home. Through this woven narrative, the documentary allows the audience to understand the personal and psychological costs of war, vacillating between tragic loss and measured hope with an acute awareness of the human cost of conflict.

Soren Sorensen's documentary refuses to shy away from the impact the Vietnam War had on the veteran's families. The film emphasises not just the direct experiences of the soldiers, but the ripple effects felt by their loved ones back home, leaving no stone unturned in the portrayal of a divisive era. There's a strong focus on the mental health implications for returning veterans, with Margie Belford's candid discussions of her own experiences dealing with PTSD following her husband's return from service.

Significantly, Soren Sorensen steers clear of glorifying or vilifying the soldiers or the war, nor does he engage in any form of revisionist history. The film aims to be a truthful portrayal of real people and their experiences during an incredibly complex time in America's history. Consequently, the audience is challenged to reckon with the humanity of the soldiers and their families, who find themselves caught up in the throes of war even while being thousands of miles away.

"My Father’s Vietnam" affords a personal, heart-rending window into the lived realities and heartaches of those enmeshed in war – the physical torment, anxiety, the dread of uncertainty, and life’s fragility – contrasted with the hope desperately clung to amidst despair. As the narrative is shaped by personal relations and bare, human experiences, it becomes as much an exploration of the enduring bonds of friendship and family, as it is an examination of war and its aftermath.

Through its distinguished storytelling approach and a respectful, yet unfiltered vein, "My Father's Vietnam" provides an empathetic portrait of the Vietnam War from a deeply personal perspective. With its potent combination of individual narratives, rare artifacts, and personal correspondence, this film is an emotionally resonant experience that opens a window into an often misunderstood and misrepresented part of history.

To watch "My Father's Vietnam" is to step into the shoes of those who were there. It is an emotional journey that leaves a lingering impact long after the credits roll, serving as a testament to the personal experiences that make up the larger sphere of history. Ultimately, it's about remembering the individual lives touched by the war and the shared humanity that connects us all, regardless of the sides we take during times of conflict. This film deeply resonates with anyone wanting to understand the legacies, damages, and aftermaths of war from the soldiers' perspective and their families' experiences.